bare backs

[Mother of All]

I have 7 op's 2 RIR's and 3 WL's all with one roo. weeks ( 2 months) ago my op's were loosing feathers on the saddles(back) I thought it they were molting.now my rirs are showing sings on bare saddles. I have now heard that it can't be molting for that starts on the back on the head and works down from there. these girls only have bare backs and most of them are now growing new feathers. all are still lying and everything else. What else could it be?

 

[Andy J]

They are probably eating each other's feathers.I've always had chickens that ate a few feathers,but this year has been terrible.I have a pen of mixed breed chickens that have literally picked all the feathers off except wing and tail feathers.The poor roosters have been picked at until they are bleeding.The hens are doing this.The hens are laying good,however.I've fed them the same feed I always have,supplemented with greens and kitchen scraps.They are weird looking ,to say the least.

Andy J

 

[Tala]

Sounds like overbreeding. Your hen to roo ratio sounds good on paper, but the fact that they are only losing saddle feathers is pretty telling. Of course check for lice and mites, but I think the rooster is the culprit

 

[Sir Birdaholic]

Quote:
Agree 100%

 

[chickerdoodle]

Quote:
Agree 100%

Yep--I concur.

 

[Falcon61]

roos got favorite's.

 

[Mother of All]

ok thanks for the info BUT two weeks ago I hatched 29 chicks out of 33 eggs. one of the four that didn't make it was lost during hatching so only three were not fertile. so knowing these facts. Do you still think the same and if so what do I do about it. I have never seen blood but what can I do. I have 13 (8 week old) that will be added to the group in a month. will that help or make things worse.

 

[Chicky Tocks]

I have this issue as well and it is definately 100% that darn rooster! And just so you know, the fertility of those three eggs has nothing, zip, nadda to do with the randyness of the roo.

My girls now wear chicken saddles. I'm starting to see feathers grow back in now. These saddles have really saved my girls backs.

https://www.backyardchickens.com/forum/viewtopic.php?id=131065

 

[trilyn]

Is there enough protein in their diet? I ask this because your birds are eating feathers, sometimes they do this because of a lack of protein. It does sound like the roo's are the culprit though. You might want to try saddles on the hen's backs or even duct tape. I've read about some people using duct tape to protect their hens backs. It seems like that would be cheaper, and just as efficient. Good luck!

 

[Mother of All]

They are all on layer feed. I try and keep egg shells out for those who want it and water at all times. They also free range all day every day in my back yard. as of yesterday we started a worm farm so they will be getting worms in their furture